Liverpool are set to beat Newcastle United to the signing of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi ahead of the summer transfer window.
While the Reds and the Magpies will meet on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, both clubs are also in the race to secure the signature of the England international.
It’s been reported that Anfield is Guehi’s preferred destination, with Mirror Football revealing that Newcastle are aware of this and that a deal for Guehi is expected to be finalised in the summer.
The main competition for Liverpool now appears to be Chelsea, where Marc Guehi began his career.
However, last-minute interest from Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham could still emerge.
All four clubs have been monitoring Guehi’s progress following his impressive season at Palace and his performances with the England national team.
Liverpool, though, are favourites to lift the cup on Sunday and are also leading the race for Guehi.
His current contract with Crystal Palace runs until June 2026.
The 24-year-old could potentially replace Virgil van Dijk, who earlier this week admitted he’s uncertain about where he will be playing next season.
Van Dijk, along with teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, is entering the final three months of his contract at Anfield.
The Dutchman has remained tight-lipped about his future, stating that he’s unsure of what lies ahead.
Van Dijk said, “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely. I have no idea at the moment,” emphasizing that nothing is on hold and his focus is solely on the remaining ten games.
“If there is news, you guys will know it. I don’t even know myself.
“Everyone knows there are some conversations behind the scenes but that is about it.
“At the moment, I don’t even know what will happen next year. If anyone says they do know, they are lying to your face.”